Seventeen years after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast and the federal government abandoned the people of New Orleans, we still mourn, and we still organize.

On the latest episode of The Next World podcast from Partners for Dignity & Rights, Ruth Idakula of Dignity in Schools Campaign discusses Hurricane Katrina and finding your sanctuary. Ruth was called into public education organizing, advocacy and policy development by the racist takeover and privatization of public schools in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Ruth discusses the principles of restorative justice, what she’s learned from new experiences organizing in schools, how to sustain yourself in this work, and her own path from a childhood in Nigeria to organizing in New Orleans.

You can find the latest episode of The Next World at this link, as well as on Apple Podcasts, Castbox, TuneIn, Spotify, Stitcher, Deezer, or Pocketcasts. You can also find the show by searching “The Next World Podcast” on all major podcast apps.

For nearly two decades, Ruth S. Idakula has dedicated her life energy to organizing, education and advocacy for social, racial, and economic justice and equity. Born and raised in Nigeria, Ruth has been a resident of New Orleans for over 23 years. As a proud mother of three sons, she was called into public education organizing, advocacy and policy development by the blatantly racist takeover and privatization of public schools in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Ruth’s leadership is grounded in sustaining spiritual practices and she serves as a faith leader, religious educator, and facilitator for collective liberation in New Orleans and beyond. She is building a beautiful garden sanctuary in her backyard – and invites everyone to figure out what sustains you, what gives you life – and be not afraid to go do that!

See more of the work of host Max Rameau at pacapower.org. Stay subscribed to The Next World for more news from the frontlines of movements for justice and liberation.

You can read more about the issues we explore on our podcast and much more at dignityandrights.org, as well as dignityinschools.org.

And don’t miss our previous episode, Art and Abolition with Bryonn Bain, Author of Rebel Speak: A Justice Movement Mixtape. Bryonn and host Max Rameau discuss the Prison Industrial Complex, organizing through the arts, the importance of mental health, and influences; including Albert Woodfox, Lani Gunier, and Kellis Parker.

Please subscribe and spread the word. You can find our archives here, or on nearly all podcast platforms.